COUNTY NEWS UPDATE: Couple seriously injured in Sussex crash while walking children

The road was closed for several hours following the incident. Picture by Nick Fontana

Published:21:02Sunday 19 March 2017

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Police are seeking witnesses to a crash in a Sussex town today (Sunday, March 19) in which a couple out walking with their three children were seriously injured in collision with a car.

At 1.55pm emergency services were called to the A2100 Upper Lake, Battle, where a black Volkswagen Beetle travelling west had collided with the family.

The woman driver and the three children, including an infant in a pram, sustained shock and minor injuries and were treated at the Conquest Hospital, St Leonards.

Sadly, the parents were both seriously injured, with the mother suffering potentially life-threatening injuries.

Both were taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where they have been detained for treatment.

The mother’s condition has been described as ‘critical’ and the father is seriously ill with head injuries.

The car came to rest after crashing into the front of a cafe window, leaving customers trapped inside.

Police examining the circumstances of the crash are investigating reports that the car driver may have been under the influence of alcohol when it occurred.

Under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act, blood samples were taken when she attended hospital and these have now been sent for analysis.

The A2100 was closed either side of the crash scene at its junction with the A271 North Trade Road and its junctions with Mount Street and Marley Lane.

Sergeant Dan Pitcher, of the Sussex and Surrey road policing team, said: “The road was closed for several hours while this incident was dealt with and thanks are due to other motoristrs for their patience and understanding.

“We are now keen to talk to anyone who may have seen what happened or noticed the black VW being driven shortly beforehand.”